Charles Barkley’s recent comments on the Golden State Warriors not only reiterated his earlier declaration that the team is “cooked” but also added a specific focus on their performance against the Sacramento Kings in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
Barkley, known for his candid and often controversial analysis, asserted that the Warriors’ success in the playoffs last year was more a result of luck than skill, attributing it to Steph Curry’s standout performance in Game 7.
“As I told y’all, this team is cooked. Y’all thought I was crazy… They got away last year because Steph went crazy in Game 7. Sacramento should have beat them.”
“Steph, he’s gonna start slowing down soon. They’ve got an old team, everybody slows down. He’s not gonna be able to continue to do that because those other guys aren’t the same, either. They’re older. This team is cooked. They’re not a contender.”
https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1729659949918060911
Barkley’s skepticism extends to the age factor, particularly emphasizing the aging roster of the Warriors. He expressed doubt that the veteran players, including Curry, could sustain the level of play they exhibited in the past. The analyst argued that with the aging supporting cast, Curry would face challenges maintaining his high standards, leading to a decline in the team’s overall competitiveness.
Despite the Warriors winning their fourth title in the Curry era just two years ago, Barkley seems unconvinced of their current contender status. The team’s current standing in 10th place in the Western Conference further fueled Barkley’s narrative that the Warriors need a turnaround to stay competitive in the highly challenging Western Conference.
The Warriors Blow 24-Point Lead To Bounce Out Of In-Season Tournament
The Golden State Warriors suffered a stunning collapse as they blew a 24-point lead against the Sacramento Kings in the In-Season Tournament, ultimately losing 124-123 and exiting the tournament.
The game started with the Warriors dominating, building a commanding lead fueled by strong performances from Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins. Thompson, who had been struggling in previous games, showcased his scoring ability with 20 points, while Wiggins contributed significantly with 29 points.
However, the Kings, led by De’Aaron Fox, staged a remarkable comeback. After being down by 24 points, Sacramento rallied in the third quarter, outscoring the Warriors 40-32. The momentum carried into the fourth quarter, where the Kings completed their resurgence.
The turning point came in the final minutes when the Warriors had a five-point lead with just under a minute remaining. Despite this advantage, a series of critical turnovers, including mistakes by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, opened the door for the Kings to capitalize.
Malik Monk, known for his energizing plays off the bench, emerged as the hero for the Kings. With 7 seconds left, Monk hit a fadeaway shot to give Sacramento a one-point lead. The Warriors had one last chance, but Curry’s attempted game-winner fell short at the buzzer.
The loss not only marked a significant setback for the Warriors in the In-Season Tournament but also raised concerns about the team’s ability to hold substantial leads. Draymond Green’s return from suspension did little to prevent the collapse, and injuries to Chris Paul and Gary Payton II further complicated the Warriors’ situation.
The Kings’ victory secured their place in the quarterfinals of the tournament, and they will face New Orleans in the next round. Meanwhile, the Warriors are left to reflect on a missed opportunity and address the challenges they face as the season progresses.
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